My Goal for March: Using a Reusable Cup

I had a coworker turn to me one day and say “Why do you use a reusable cup? I don’t understand why plastic bottles are so bad for the environment.” Well, let me tell you, the cap practically blew off the top of my head. There are a lot of things wrong with that statement and I’m just shocked that in 2019 people still don’t understand the repercussions of plastic.

Now, I need to be up front and honest with you. I work for a company that sells plastic disposables for medical companies. Mind you that although they are the only applicable tool for these medical companies, they are still plastic. With that said, I’m not saying that the world needs to get rid of plastic entirely. There are many technological advances to having plastic. The problem is we are not being responsible with our plastic. Once we figure out how we can coexist with plastic, the earth, and ourselves we can make this a cleaner, safer environment.

With all that said, lets get onto my attempt to cut down my own personal plastic consumpiton.

Sweater and Belt (Thrifted) | Jeans (J.Crew last year) | Steve Madden Slip-Ons (two years ago)

Truth About America’s Plastic Problem

• An estimated 8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s — that’s equivalent to the weight of more than 800,000 Eiffel Towers. (The Guardian)
• 73% of all beach litter is plastic. The litter includes filters from cigarette butts, bottles, bottle caps, food wrappers, grocery bags, and polystyrene containers. (National Geographic)
• Virtually every piece of plastic that was ever made still exists in some shape or form (with the exception of the small amount that has been incinerated) (Since Advances)
• There is more microplastic in the ocean than there are stars in the Milky Way (United Nations)

31 Days Without Single-Use Cups

Oh March, Rob hates it when I talk about how much I hate March (mostly because his birthday is in March). But, I can’t help it. March is a terrible month! It’s a long, cold, miserable month. With that said, I tried to make March a little bit more interesting. I am going to attempt to not use a single-use plastic cup in the month of March. This is hopefully going to branch off my goal of last month, cutting off plastic bags. Not only is task going to challenge me, but it is hopefully going to make me a more mindful consumer.

Big Switches this Month

• To-go Coffee Cups: Instead of getting a to-go coffee cup, I am going to bring my Joco cup or sit down and actually have my chai tea (I don’t actually drink coffee). This practice will allow me to slow down. One thing Americans have a very hard time doing!
• To-go smooth: I actually just recently received a reusable cup from Jade Bottles. This 30 oz bottle will allow me to get my protein smoothie plastic-free.
• Reusable plastic silverware: I don’t eat out often, but when I do there are always single-use plastic utensils. I’ve been looking at Etsy’s reusable utensils and have been thinking about getting one.

How to Ask a Barista

I admit, this one definitely takes time getting used to. You just have to make sure you have the right measurement to cup and ask with confidence. Don’t be rude though. When you’re ordering, ask if they can put the drink in your reusable cup. Please and thank you go a long way!

Multi-Use Bags and Cups:

[shopr_shopthepost collection=”plasticfree”]

Other Posts You Make Like:

• A Run in My Athletic Gear + Ethical Gifts for Your Favorite Athlete
• Bee’s Wrap: the Reusable Food Wrap
• What the Heck Does Organic Cotton Even Mean?
• Clean Reserve’s Citron Fig: an Ethically Made Perfume (Review)

How is your plastic consumption? Do you have any goals for the month of March? Let me know in the comments down below.

As always,

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